Mechanical time delay mechanism



Feb. 21, 1950 H. R. EVANS ETAL MECHANICAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 25, 1947 INVENToRs. .Haro/d A. fr0/ys Arrow/mrs Fell 21., 1950 H. R. EVANS ET AL' MECHANICAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM Filed Aug. 25, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 H. R. EVANS ETAL 2,497,874

MECHANICAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Feb. 21, 1950 Filed Aug. 25, 1947 Feb. 21, 1950 H. R. EvANs ETAL MECHANICAL TIME DELAY MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 25, 1947 JNVENToRs. Hara/dfi? Vans 7a/e 5k/faber? MS www NQ UNITED STATES PATENT FFIC MECHANICAL TIME DELAY MECHNSM Harold R. Evans, Olympia, and Dale L. Schubert,- Tacoma, Wash., assignors to Plywood Research Foundation, Tacoma, Wash., a nonprofit corpof ration of Washington Application August 25, 1947, Serial No. '770,540

15 Claims.

1 This invention relates to a mechanical-sorterselector means. More particularly, this invention relates to a mechanical-sorter-selector means wherein the material, which is of vary stock which are usable for making plywood may be separated according to their widths.

Heretofore, it has been a manual operation to select pieces of stock according to the individual ing sizes and shapes is formed or cut and de- 5 characteristics of the pieces of stock involved. livered from the former or cutter, to a common Some of these manually controlled devices have transfer means and is later selected or transprovided transfer systems wherein an operator ferred from the common transfer means in revisually selects the stock and then by means response to an electrical impulse which is controlled sponsive to. an electric impulse, the stock is by means responsive to the original forming or l0 transferred to suitable conveyors, bins, or trucks vcutting of the material. and the like. Our invention is applicable for Our invention relates to a mechanical-sortercontrolling such transfer means, and one thereof selector means which can be employed in many is known in the art as an Ederer machine sold industries. For example, in the lumber mill art, by the Ederer Engineering Company of Seattle, pieces of lumber of varying lengths leave the Washington. Other sorters and stacleis obplaner and are delivered onto a common belt or viously can be controlled by the sorter-selector conveyor means. Thereafter, the varying pieces means of our invention and others are commonly of lumber are selected in accordance with their available on the market. Thus, in the drawings, length and transferred to bins or conveyors so we have only diagrammatically illustrated the that pieces of lumber of predetermined character off-bearing conveyor means of the clipper and `reach a common bin or transfer means. Also, the transfer means leading to suitable storage in the plaster board art, pieces of material of bins and the like. varying dimension are, at times, formed or de- The sorter-selector means of our invention livered to a common transfer means and they may be mechanically operated by an operator as must be later selected so that pieces having he visually observes stock on the oli-bearing concommon characteristics nally reach the same veyor of the veneer clipper. However, we prefer bins or transfer means. to interconnect the sorter-selector means with While other arts may be mentioned as fields the veneer clipper so that the same operator who of environment in which our invention is appliclips the stock causes electric impulses to be set cable, the plywood industry is probably the more in motion after a time delay period, and which complex, and it will be obvious that as the invenelectric impulses will later control the operation tion may be used in such industry, it can be of the desired sorter means. readily adapted to other industries. Thus, as an One type of veneer clipper which can be elecillustration and not as a limitation of our inventrically interconnected with a sorter-selector tion, it will be described in connection with some :i5 means by reason of our invention is that shown of its uses in the plywood art. in the patent to W. J. Miller et al., No. 2,394,558,

In clipping the green Veneer sheet, it is now issued February 12, 1946. The particular charcommon practice to cut or clip the sheet to re-- acteristics of the device shown in said Miller move defects and form sheets of standard widths, patent so involved is that each electrical switch as less than 13, 26, 39 and 52 inches. 40 means causes the clipping of pieces of denite In order to best utilize the veneer stock which size or character. is available and to obtain the highest grade It is an object of our invention to provide a products therefrom, it is desirable to produce the mechanical time delay system so that any elecwidest sheets possible within the predetermined trically controlled apparatus will respond later selected maximum. at a predetermined time to a starting mechanism. After the veneer stock has been clipped to pro- Also, it is an object of our invention to cause an vide the most economical and practical size electrical impulse synchronized with an earlier pieces, the pieces are then removed from the outelectric impulse and thus have an electrically feed or off-bearing transfer belt in accordance controlled apparatus, such as a sorter, operating with their particular properties. In other words, synchronously with but at a later time period heart stock may be separated from sap stock. as respects the first caused electric impulse. Also, the various pieces of one kind of stock may It is an object of our invention to provide a be separated according to whether they are drum having a trackway and mechanical means usable pieces of stock for making plywood or which have relative movement as respects said whether they are scrap. Next, the pieces of trackway or travel therewith.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a drum having a plurality of relatively movable lugs or pawls which can be spaced or positioned in proportion to the time delay desired.

It is a further object of our invention to provide a drum, which synchronously moves with the off-bearing conveyor means of a clipper and in turn with the clipper, in combination with lugs or pawls relatively movable as respects said drum where the positions of the lugs will bear a denite relation to the action of the clipper,

It is a further object of our invention to mechanically cause time delays in creating electric impulses which delays bear denite relationships to the impulses employed in actuating a veneer clipper.

The above mentioned general objects of this invention together with others inherent in the same are attained by the device illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference numerals indicate like parts.

Figure l is a fragmentary, diagrammatic plan view, with some parts removed and some broken away in the interest of clear-ness, of a device illustrating an embodiment of our invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary diagrammatic View in 'elevation of the apparatus in Fig. 1, and showing a partial wiring diagram;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary and somewhat diagrammatic view illustrating mechanical and electrical connections between a veneer clipper and the selector means of this invention;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modied form of wiring diagram in connection with the same apparatus indicated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan View of the drum and parts associated therewith which are indicated somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a view partly in section and partly in 4elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 'l is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section and on a larger scale than Fig. 6 illustrating a form of lugs or pawls of this invention in a mating groove;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken substantially on broken line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a detached perspective view of one of `said lugs or pawls;

'merely illustrative of a clipper 'which may `be yused in our invention, and hence, by way of illustration, parts have been, in substance, copied from the Miller patent, No. 2,394,558 and parts have been added.

In Figs. 3 and 4, veneer I2 to be clipped is fed 'by inbearing conveyor I3, across a die or bed I4, and is removed by out-bearing conveyor I5. The

veneer knife I6 moves into 4and out of cutting position by means of a toggle lever means I1. The knife I6 is disposed t0 c'ut'through veneer I'2 rand against bed I4 as veneer l2 is passed across and supported by said bed I4.

Link members I8, one of whichis shown in Fig. 3, are connected at one end with the knife I6,

Aand the other end with a lever I9, which lever is fixed on rock shaft 20. Thisrolck shaft 20 angularly moves each time the knife I6 is stroked.

fao

The rock shaft 20 angularly moves suciently so that the knife I6 strokes through the veneer I2 and then out of the line of travel of the veneer I2.

The rock shaft 2li is pivotally supported by a substantially horizontal arm 2l, which arm is pivotally supported by the main frame structure 22 of the clipper. The lever i9 is pivotally connected with a substantially vertical arm 23, which arm 23 is pivotally connected with the main frame structure 22 of the clipper. Thus, upon sufficient angular movement in either direction of the lever I9, the knife I6 will be stroked downwardly through the veneer i2 and thence upwardly out of the path of travel of the veneer I2.

The knife I6 is reciprocated by electrically controlled means such as piston `2li in pneumatic cylinder 25. Air under pressure is supplied through air inlet conduit 26 and valve means 21. The valve means 21 controls the flow of air under pressure to and from cylinder 25 alternately through conduit 28 and out via conduit 29 and through conduit 29 and out conduit 28. The valve 21 is electrically controlled by a double acting solenoid 30.

As one field of the solenoid 39 is energized, conduit 28 becomes as inlet conduit and conduit 2E! becomes an outlet conduit. Upon energizing of the other iield of solenoid 36, conduit `29 be.- comes an inlet conduit and conduit 2&3 becomes an outlet conduit. In the arrangement shown, one or the other of the fields of solenoid 30 is always energized, except during movement of armature 63.

Thus, piston 24 may be moved to the left as respects the showing in Figs. 3 and 4, to stroke the knife I' through one stroke and for the next subsequent stroke, the piston 2li will be moved to the right.

The foregoing description of the knife means I6 and parts operating to stroke the same are merely illustrative of one practical veneer clipper whose operation is subject to electrical control Thus, obviously the details of the knife and its operating means are merely illustrative to indicate a Veneer clipper which has an electric control such as solenoid 30.

As will hereafter appear, the solenoid 3E! is operated 'at determined time intervals and the time interval delay in the operation of solenoid 3B will be in proportion to the Width of veneer stock being cut. In other words, there is a direct relation between the time intervals in which solenoid Si) is being operated, and the size or" stock which is being obtained and which is to be selected and sorted according to size.

The roll 3| is resiliently mounted on support 32 which in turn is supported by the main frame structure 22. The roll 3i extends transversely of the clipper and the roll 3l rides on and is supported by veneer stock i2. Thus, the peripheral speed of the roll 3l is the same as the lineal speed of the veneer stock'on the inbearing conveyor I3. Roll 3| is connected by a link belt 33 with a sheave 34 which in turn is connected through clutch means with rotatabiy mounted arm 35. The arm 35 is connected with a link 3B which is pivotally connected with another link 31 and said link 31'is secured to rock shaft 38. Rock shaft 38 mounts link 39. Upon release of the clutch mechanism, arm 35 can be returned to the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. As described in detail in said Miller et al., Patent No. 2,394,558, the said arm 35 will return to said the knife it is stroked through the linkage iin-,-

dicated. The arm l35 carries a contactor 40. The extent of movement of the contactor 49 in the direction of the arrow has a direct rela- 'tion to the peripheral speed of roller 3| and to :the lineal speed of the veneer I2. The type of cutter mechanism or the control therfor form lno part of the present invention and thus in this part of the structure illustrated, we have merely shown a construction wherein an electrical impulse is employed in the actuation of devices to cut material to a given dimension.

The circuits including conductors 4| to 44 inclusive illustrate respectively, circuits electrically controlling the cutting of veneer stock to dimensions as 13", 26, 39", and 52" in width. Obviously, the dimensions predetermined will depend upon standards set in a particular industry,

In Fig. 3, conductors 45 and 46 illustrate any suitable source of electrical energy. The manual control switches 41 to 51 inclusive represent switches controlling predetermined cuts as: scrap; less than 13" usable heart stock; 13 heart stock; less than 13" usable sap cut; 13" sap cut; 26" heart cut; 26" sap cut; 39 heart cut; 39" sap cut; 52" heart cut and 52" sap cut respectively. While separate segregations or selections may be made, the drawings illustrate a construction where the scrap may be delivered to one bin; the heart stock of 13" as well as that less than 13 is delivered to one bin; the sap stock of 13" as well as that of less than 13" is delivered to one bin, and then each dimension heart stock or sap stock of 26" and greater is delivered to a separate bin.

Tracing a circuit including one of the switches 41 to 51 inclusive, energy commences on conductor 46, thence along conductor 59, through closed switch 41 to conductor 59, thence along conductor 60, through relay 6|, and thence along conductor 62 to the other side of the line-conductor 45.

Relay 6| is of the type so that it consecutively moves its armature 63 in contact with conductor 64 or 65. In other words, upon energizing of relay 6|, the armature 63 is in contact with one of the conductors 64 or 65, as 65. Armature 63 isk spring loaded (not shown) and will remain in contact with conductor 65. Upon the next momentary contact energizing relay 6| the armature 63 will move into electrical connection with conductor 64 and remain in contact therewith in view of the spring loading of said armature 63. yThis alternate sequence of operation will continue each time relay 6I is energized. As the details'of relay 6| form no part of the present invention, it is diagrammatically illustrated.

Assuming armature 63 was in contact with conductor 64 and relay 6| is energized by the circuit just described, then armature 63 will move into contact with conductor 65 and we will have the following secondary circuit energizing solenoid 30. This circuit will comprise source of energy 45, conductor 62, conductor 66, through one of the coils of solenoid 30, along conductor 65, along armature 63, along conductor 61, to the other side of the line-conductor 46. In the event `that the armature 63 is in the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings and relay 6i is energized, then armature 63 will contact conductor 64. Then a circuit will be established through the following; conductor 46, conductor 61, armature 63, conductor 64, the other coil of solenoid 30, conductor 66, conductor 62, and to conductor 45. As the coils of solenoid 30 are alternately energlzed this will operate valve means 21 and alter'- nately change conduits 28 and 29 as to inlet and outlet conduits and reciprocate piston 24 and in turn stroke the knife I6.

In the event that switch 48 is momentarily closed, energy will pass from conductor 46, along conductor 68, through solenoid 69, along conductor 10, through switch 48, along conductor 1|, to conductor 59. As previously described, when energy from conductor 46 is imposed upon conductor 59, this will energize the relay 6| and in turn stroke the knife I6. Thus, upon closing of switch 48, we not only stroke the knife I6 but we energize solenoid 69 and the function resulting from the energizing of solenoid 69 Will be hereinafter described. While solenoid 69 is shown in series with a relay 6|, obviously the solenoid 69 could be a remotely controlled solenoid embodying a relay and the primary could be in the series circuit rather than the solenoid as illustrated. The solenoids 12 to 18 inclusive are in different circuits but may be identical with the properties described in connection with solenoid 69.

Upon the operation of solenoid 69, time relay means are set in motion to later select and remove from a common transfer means stock which has been cut by reason of the operation. oi' switch means 4B. In the present instance, switch 48 is to be operated when heart wood is being cut to a dimension of less than 13" and is usable stock.

Manual operated switch 49 is designed to be operated when heart stock having a width of 13 is being cut. The circuit involving switch v46 comprises conductor 46, conductor 68, solenoid 69, conductor 19, switch 49, conductor 89, conductor 4|, contactor 40, and conductor 8|, connected with contactor 49'. Energy on conductor 8l is transmitted to conductor 59. As previously mentioned, when energy from conductor 46 is impressed on conductor 59, relay 6| will be operated which will, through the circuits de scribed, stroke knife |6. The contactor 40 moves in the direction of the arrow, counter-clockwise and the contactor 40 will not register with the conductor 4| until 13" of stock has passed from the last cut so that upon registration of the contactor 46 with the conductor 4|, the knife I6 will be stroked to cut exactly 13" of stock. At the same time, the solenoid 69 is energized and thus, if this selection is desired, heart stock of 13" or usable heart stock of less than 13" will be selected by the mechanism hereinafter described which is responsive to energizing of' solenoid 69.

The switches 41, 48 and 50 are of the momen tary contact type, while switches 49 and 5| to 51 inclusive are moved in contact and will remain in contact until the knife |6 is stroked in response thereto.

The switch 56 is designed for use in cutting sap stock of a width less than 13". The circuit including said switch comprises conductor 46, conductor 82, solenoid 12, conductor 83, switch 56, conductor 84 and thence to conductor 59. As previously explained, when energy from conductor 46 is impressed upon conductor 59, this will energize relay 6| and thus the structure described will stroke knife I6,

The switch 5| is designed to out 13" sap stock. The vcircuit including said switch comprises conductor 46, conductor 82, solenoid 12, conductor 85, switch 5|, conductor 4|, contactor 40r conductor 8| and conductor 5,9. By impressing:

kvoltage from conductor 46 ori conductor 59, it

will be obvious that knife l5 will be stroked and the width of the cut will be .13" as the conductor 4| is employed vin the circuit. As solenoid 12 is energized in the same circuit of either switch 50 or switch 5i, 13" sap wood .and sap Wood of .less than 13 will be `sorted by the same means controlled by solenoid 12.

Switch 52 is designed to cut 26" heart stock and to control the solenoid 13 and in turn, the selector means operated in response to said sclenoid 13.. The circuit including switch 52, com-- prises conductor 45, conductor v86, solenoid 13, conductor 81, switch 52, conductor 42, contactor 40, conductor 3| and thence to conductor 59. The contacter i0 is designed to move into registration with conductor 42 when 26" of stock is passed under knife |6. Thus, upon closing of switch 52, the knife will cut 26" of stock and energize solenoid 13.

In View of the detailed description given in View of previous solenoids and switches, vthe description of the remaining sclenoids and switches will be somewhat abbreviated.

Switch 53 is for 25 sap stock and its circuit comprises conductor 48, conductor 83, solenoid 14, conductor 89, switch 53, conductor 42, contacter 40 and conductor 8| to conductor 59.

The switch 54 is for 39" heart stock and its circuit comprises conductor 45, conductor 9), solenoid 15, conductor 9|, switch 54, conductor 43, contactor 49, conductor 8i to conductor 59. The contacter 49 will be in registration with conductor 43 when 3-9" of stock are being cut by the knife I6.

The switch 55 is for cutting 39" of sap stoel: and its circuit comprises conductor 4B, conductor 92, solenoid 1B, conductor 93, switch 55, and to conductor 43, which was described in connection with switch 54.

The switch 56 is for cutting 52" heart stock and its circuit comprises conductor 4S, conductor 94, solenoid 11, conductor 95, switch 55, conductor 44, contacter 40, conductor 8|, to conductor 59.

The switch 51 is for cutting 52" sap stock and its circuitk comprises conductor 46, conductor 95, solenoid i8, conductor 91, switch 51 and to conductor 44 which was described in connection with circuit comprising switch 55.

v In, order to somewhat shorten thel description,

and without completing each circuit, some of the circuits have been traced completely and others will appear obvious from what has been Stated. In a summary way, it will appear that certain of the solenoids 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive will be energized when circuits are completed therethrough by certain of the switches 4l to 51 inclusive..

Upon energizing of any of the. solenoids 59 or 12 to 18 inclusive, mechanical means-are set in motion to provide icr a delayed electrical impulse to operate the selector means This se.- lector means comprisesv a drum-like assembly 98 shown` somewhat diagrammatically in Figs. 1 and 2 and shown more in detail in Figs. 5. to 10 inclusive. In Figs., 1 and 2 fragmentsl of the knife ifi and out-bearing, conveyor l5 are shown to correlate the parts shown in Figs. ll and 2 with those shown and described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. As. indicated in. Figs. l and 2, the drum assembly 98 is connected for syn,- chronous movement with thel out-bearing, com veyor I5. by meansy of a. link belt 99, gear reduction means |00, and link belt Inl. Generally,

the outbearing conveyor l5 employed inscri-f nection with veneer clippers voperates at a somewhat accelerated speed over the irl-bearing ccnveyor I3. However, they are proportionately related and it is to be understood that the drum assembly 98 of our invention may be connected with the in-bearing conveyor i3 or with the out-bearingr conveyor l5 with appropriate speed changing means. Preferably, the drum assembly 93 is connected with out-bearing conveyor i5 so they must always be operated at the same time.

Referring to Figs.V 5 to 10, inclusive, the drum assembly 98 preferably comprises a driven shaft |02 which supports. a plurality of groove forming wheels |93. While in Fig. 5 the groove forming wheels are shown as individual units, yet -they may be grooves in the same drum but advantages result in a lug return mechanism (hereinafter. described) in the construction illustrated.

In Fig. 5, the groove of one wheel |93 is n-umbered l|l4 and the groove of the other .wheel shown is numbered |95. In each of thegrooves there will be disposed the lugs or pawls, a form f, of which is shown detached in Fig. 9., and which are numbered generally HIB. The lugs or pawls it in oney of the groove forming wheels |03. will be functionally related to switch mechanismsv in a circuit involving only one of the solenoidsv 69, or 12 to 1B inclusive. Thus, there will be as many grooves similar to |94 or m5 as there will be solenoids 59, and 12 to 18 inclusive and parts associated therewith as are employed. `For purpose` of illustration, it will be assumed that groove HB4 is associated with solenoid 69 and groove H15 is associated with solenoid 12 and the number 93, |34 and |05 areso applied in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings. However, there will be a groove of a similar character associated with each of the said solenoids- 68. and 12 to 18 inclusive. The lugs or pawls |36 are frictionally supported by the wheels |83 and in the preferred form, as best shown in Figs. '7 to 9l inclusive, in a groove in each wheel m3. The wheelsl |33 will carry the lugs or pawls |955` unless said lugs are restrained. 1

A means of restraining said lugs is to employv a catch |01-` for eachgroove, which catch normally is in a restraining position, either spring loaded or by gravity, and which catch is el'ectri cally released. The electrical release for the catch |91, which is employed in connection with the groove lcd and lug-s litt therein, includes the solenoid $91. Each time the solenoid 69 is energized the catch portion ol |91 will be moved upwardly. Solenoid 9 is only momentarily energized and thus the catch portionof [|11y will only release its catch or holding action momentarily so only one pawl Hifi is released and permitted to travel with the wheelV 83. upon each energizing ofthe solenoidl 5.9... In Fig-. d, however, we have indicated three lugs las, which have been released and permitted to travel with the wheel |03 and have shown a number of lugs |96 which are being restrained by the catch i131 and there, is thus relative movement between the restrained lugs. |116 and the'wheel. |93, As the travel, of; each of the wheels: ttl-3 bearsl a. direct. relation to the speed of the out-bearing belt. |15, there is a. definite relation between the spacing of lugs. Il in` any of the` grooves andy the lineal distance that the outbearing conveyor i5 has traveled.

The form of lugs |96 is best shown in Figse tov 9 inclusive and comprises mated portionsI 08 a switch means |20.

and |09. Spring I I urges the portions |08 and |09 away from each other. Each of the portions |08 and |09 carries a shouldered end portion and such shouldered portions t in a recess in a wheel |03. The top and bottom surfaces of the shouldered portions III are a portion of an arc having the same diameter of the arc of 'the groove involved, such as groove |04. Also, preferably the forward and trailing end. faces of the portions |00 and I 09 are cut on a line which is the same as the radius of the circular grooves, one of which is |04. The upper surface provided by the two portions |08 and |09 of the lug `|06 is atan angle as is best shown in Fig. '1, and such angular surface is numbered II2. As the catch portion I|3 of any of the catches |01 is raised momentarily and then dropped, such portion I I3 will ride down the inclined portion ||2 of one of the lugs |06 and always restrain the next following lug |06. The purpose of the shoulders ||I is to maintain the lugs |06 in a groove. The spring I|0 will have a suitable tension so that a number thereof can be restrained by catch |01 and yet will have suincient frictional engagement with a groove so as to operate switch means hereinafter described.

Referring now to Figs. l and 2 of the drawings, there will be the same number of grooves in the drum assembly 98 as there will be solenoids of the character of 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive. As eight of said solenoids are shown there will be eight grooves in the drum assembly 98, which grooves are numbered |04 and I 05 and I I4 to I I9 inclusive. Each groove |04, |05 and ||4 t0 ||9 inclusive has 'a plurality of pawls |06 therein and the showing of each groove and its pawls will be the same as that illustrated in Fig. 6 for the groove |04 and its pawls |06.

Also, there will be a switch mechanism operable by the pawls in each groove, which switch mechanism is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2. The switch mechanisms for the grooves |04, |05 and I|4 to I|9 inclusive are numbered respectively |20 to |21 inclusive.

; The switch means |20 to I 21 inclusive are somewhat diagrammatically illustrated by their spacing as far as the periphery of the drum assembly 98 is concerned and will correspond to the spacing of the transfer means controlled by them. There will be one transfer means controlled by each of the switches, but only the transfer means controlled by switches |20, |2I and |22 are shown in Fig. 2, and the others have been broken away. As the peripheral sneed of the drum assembly 98 has a direct relation to the lineal speed of the out-bearing belt I5, the space between the catch portion 3 of the catch |01 which is associated with the lugs |06 in the groove I 04 and the switch |20 will bear a definite relation to the position of the transfer means |28. The time in which it will take a lug |06 in the groove I 04 to travel, after being released, and operate the switch |20 will be the same time as it takes a piece of veneer to travel to the transfer means |28. Thus, as the switches 48 and 49 are operated, they will release lugs in grooves |04 and at a delayed time afterwards, calculated in relation to the spacing of the transfer means |28 as respects the knife I6, these lugs |06 will operate Similarly, as lugs |06 are released in the groove |05 by reason of operation of switches 50 or 5|, they will operate switch |2| and the time delay will be the same time delay that is required for veneer stock to travel on the out-bearing belt I5 from the cutter knife i8 to the transfer means |29. Again, when lugs ,are

released in the groove |,I4, by action of switch 52, they will operate switch |22 and at a time delay which is the same as that required for veneer stock to travel on the out-bearing belt I5 to the transfer means |30. The remaining switches |23 to |21 inclusive will have their circuits and will be associated with transfer means similar to transfers |28 to |30 inclusive. The spacing of the switches |23 to |21 inclusive around the periphery of the drum assembly 08 will be such to provide time delay equalto the time delay required to transfer the veneer stock on the outbearing conveyor I5 to the location of the transfer means associated with said switches. It will be noted that no solenoid (similar to 69) is in the circuit operated by switch 41 (see Fig. 3) and thus material cut by the operation of switch 41 will go over the end of out-bearing conveyor I5. This provides for an additional selection without the necessity of providing additional transfer means such as that illustrated by |28, |29 and |30. The circuit controlled by the lugs in groove |04 (see Fig. 2) comprises one conductor |3|, connected to a source of energy, solenoid controlled valve means |32, conductor |33, switch |20 and conductor |34 connected to said source of electrical energy.

Our invention is not limited to a particular type of transfer' means and thus transfer means |28 to |30 inclusive are to be considered as illustrative and hence they are somewhat diagrammatically shown. As so shown, an air cylinder |35 is provided with a traveling piston |36. Upon energizing of solenoid in valve means |32, the rod |31 moves upwardly. The transfer means |28 comprises a plurality of driven belts |38, which are driven from any suitable source (not shown). A cross-shaft |39 mounts a frame structure |40 for pivotal movement. The frame structure |40 supports shafts I4I which in turn support rolls |42. The free end of the frame structure |40 is raised upon energizing of the solenoid of valve means 32, through piston |36, rod |31, and frame structure I 40. Then veneer stock on out-bearing conveyor I5 will rise up belts |38 and engage transverse live roll |43 (only the end fragments being shown in Fig. l) and thence be transferred to the live rolls |44 and thence to any suitable location. The source of power to drive live rolls |43 and |44 is not shown. The piston |36 and parts connected therewith are raised and lowered respectively by air under pressure entering inlet conduit |45 and leaving outlet conduit |46. The piston |36 is held in raised portion for a time period sufficient so that the live roll |43 will control the movement of the piece of veneer and insure that such a piece will be delivered to the live rolls |44. When the live roll |43 has control of the piece of veneer stock, then the piston |36 and parts connected therewith will be lowered. Thus, if the next following piece of stock is one which is to be transferred by a subsequent transfer means in the line of travel of the out-bearing conveyor |5, the transfer means i, |28 will be lowered at a time period and be out of transfer relation as to pieces of veneer stock which it is not to transfer. One way of controlling the time interval of energizing of solenoid controlled valve |32, is to control the relative length of the face ||2 of the lugs |06 and the contact area of the switches |20 to |21 inclusive. As the transfer belts |38 work between the belts of the out-bearing conveyor 5, the free end of such belts can be raised or lowered. Also, if a piece of veneer stock is being transferred by the,`

belts |36, the next piece of veneer can travel part way up the belts l38 when they are raised, and then said belts can be moved downwardly (from the dotted line position to the full line position inl Fig. 2) before the piece contacts live roll 43. The next following piece will pass under live rolls |43 and |44 and continue to the transfer means which are to transfer the same olf the out-bearing conveyor l5.

Each time that the solenoid 69 is energized,

a lug will be released and will travel with theA wheel |03 which has the groove |04 therein. As each lug passes the switch |20, the switch |20 will be energized sufficiently long to permit transfer of the piece E the conveyor I5. In this instance we have assumed that we are transferring 13" of heart stock or usable heart stools less than 13" to the live roll |43. After each transfer, the trans fer means |26 is lowered to let the pieces of stock of other sizes move along the out-bearing conveyor until they reach a. predetermined and selected transfer means.

`As to the shorter stock (for example 13" or less than 13") a pusher type of ejector means may be employed to eject the stock transversely e from the out-bearing conveyor l5, as such ejector means will be more rapid in operation than the transfer means illustrated. However, in any event, as long as we provide the electrical circuit of our invention, the same may be employed to control any desired type of transfer means. As the out-bearing conveyor travels at an accelerated speed as respects the in-bearing conveyor |3, the pieces will be separated from each other on the out-bearing conveyor |5.

The means to control the transfer means |28 is the same as that .described in connection with the control of the transfer means |28 except that the same is controlled by a switch |2| which in turn is controlled byV lugs in the groove |05. A

similarchange is true of the subsequent transfer means as |30, and the control means for the transfer means |30 is controlled by the lugs in the groove ||4 and the switch |22. It is felt that it would serve no useful purpose in showing the transfer means and the circuits involved which involve switches |23 to |21 inclusive, and hence the same have not been illustrated and described.

As to transfer means |29 and |30, the parts correspond to the parts described in connection with the transfer means |28 and have the numbers and correspond as will be now indicated.

In connection with transfer means |23 land |30, asl respects transfer means i28, conductor |41 corresponds to conductor |3|; valve means |48 to valve means |32; conductors |45 to conductor |33; conductors |50 to conductor |34.

As previously stated, the switches |2|and |22 operate in grooves |05 and ||4 respectively and release lugs |06 in response to energizing of solenoids 12 and 13. Also, air cylinders |5| correspond to air cylinder |35; pistons |52 to pistons |36; rods |53 to rod |31; belts |54 to belt |38; cross shafts |55 to cross shaft |39; frame structures |56 to frame structure |40; shafts |51 to shafts |4|; rolls |58 to rolls |42; live rolls |59 to live roll |43; live rolls |60 to live rolls |44; inlet conduits |6| to inlet conduit |45; and exhaust conduits |62 to exhaust conduit |46. From such corresponding parts and their inherent mode of operation, obviously the transfer means |29 and |30 will be respectively operated each time a lug |06 in grooves |05 and ||4 contact respectively switches |2| andv |122.4 The'operation of 12 switch |2| will be responsive to switches 50 or 5| which provide 13 sap stock or sap stock of less than 13" and operation of switch |22 will be responsive to switch 52 indicating cutting of 26" heart stock.

Upon operation of the remaining switches 53 to 51 inclusive, operation of appropriate transfer means will be had. In providing for nine selections (including operation of switch 41 where scrap goes over the end of out-bearing conveyor l5) we have provided for more selections than are often made in plywood plants. However, it is obvious that more or less selections than those for which we have made provision can be readily obtained.

Referring now to Fig. 4, we have illustrated a wiring diagram with the object in mind of reducing the number of switches. The switches shown in Fig. 4 will replace the switches 41 to 51 of Fig. 3. In physical arrangement, `the switches 41 to 51 of Fig. 3 preferably are in two banks or rows and one row will be used when cutting heart stock and the other row will be used when cutting sap stock.

As the veneer is peeled from a log, it will start out as sap stock and then depending upon how true the log is `chucked and the character of the log there will be intermittent heart and sap stock and then the balance will be heart stock. Thus, the operator in clipping such a veneer sheet will be working, for the most part,v on either heart or sap stock with some alternate clipping of both types of stock.

In Fig. 4 instead of having a switch to clip Y each dimension of heart stock and each dimension of sap stock, we have one switch to clipeach dimension and an additional switch, as a foot pedal operated switch, to differentiate in the selection of Vwhether heart or core stock is being clipped.

In Fig. 4, the parts which may be identical with and have the .same function, as thev parts described in Fig. 3 will be given the same numbers and vnot further described, except where it is `necessary `to better understand the wiring diagram of Fig. 4. Thus, upon energizing of solenoids 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive, the same operations will obtain as described in connection with Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, conductors |63 and |64 repre.- sent a source of electricalv energy. Switch mechf anism |65 is of the type where we have one inlet terminal and two outlet terminals and the switch blade. mechanism is always in contact between one inlet terminal and one or the other of the two outlet terminals. This switch |65 can be a foot operated switch so that when depressed by the operator (then in full line position shown in Fig. 4.) sap stock will be cut or when `released by the operator, the switch `will assume the dotted line position and the operator will be cut-v ting heart stock. The conductor |63 is connected to conductor 62 as the conductor 62 and parts connected therewith are identical in Figs. 3 and 4.' Conductor |64 leads to switch |165 and is connected by switch |65 to either conductor |66 or conductor |61, depending upon the position of the switch blade in switch |65. Energy on con-` ductor |64, similar to energy on conductor 46 of Fig. 3, leads to conductor 61 and' parts connected therewith. Also, energy on conductor |64 leads to conductor |68 through switch |69 and thence on conductor |10 to conductor 59. The conductor 50 andparts thereafter connected with itare the same in either Figs. 3 or 4, and hence have the samev number.

switch |69, the operator will be cutting scrap and obtains the same results as are obtained in connection with operation of switch 41 of Fig. 3.

Assuming that the switch blade |65 is in the full line position of Fig. 4, then energy will be on conductor |66 and will pass to conductor |1|.

In the event that switch |12 is depressed, then the energy on conductor |1I will pass through solenoid 12, thence along conductor |13, through closed switch |12 and thence along conductor |14 to conductor 59. Closing of switch |12, when switch |65 is` in its full line position, will bring the same results as the closing of switch 50 of Fig. 3 and the operator will be cutting sap stock of less than 13 wide.

When the switch |65 is moved to its dotted line position, conductor |61 will be energized. If switch |12 is depressed, then energy will pass from conductor |61 through solenoid 69, through closed switch 12 and along conductor |14 to conductor 59. Closing of switch |12, when blade |65 is in its dotted line position, will bring the same results as the closing of the switch 48 of Fig'. 3 and the operator will be cutting heart stock of vless than 13" wide.

' When the switch blade |65 is in its full line position, and switch is depressed, conductor |66 will be energized. Energy will pass from conductor |66 to conductor |1| through solenoid 12. along conductor |16, through switch |15 to conductor 4|. As explained in connection with Fig.

3, when conductor 4| is energized, a 13" clip isl obtained. As solenoid 12 is also energized, the material will be transferred to the transfer means for handling 13 or less than 13 sap stock.

r When the switch |65 is moved to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4. then conductor |61 will be energized, and if switch 15 is depressed or closed, then energy from conductor |61 will pass through solenoid 69, along conductor |13, along conductor |16, through closed switch |15, and to conductor 4|.

fWh'en conductor 4| is energized, a 13" clip is being made and when solenoid 69 is also energized, the clip will be a 13 piece of heart stock and delivered to the proper transfer means.

When switch |65 is in the full line position and switch |11 is closed, then energy from conductor |66 will pass along conductor |18, through solenoid 14, along conductor |19, along conductor |80', through closed switch |11 to conductor 42. As explained in connection with Fig. 3, when conductor 42 is energized, a 26" clip is provided. Also, as explained in connection with Fig. 3, when solenoid 14 is also energized, then the material being cut is sap stock.

"When the switch |65 is moved to the dotted line position in Fig. 4, conductor |61 is energized. If switch I 11 is closed, then energy from conductor |61 will pass along conductor |8| through solenoid 13, to conductor |82, thence along conductor |80, through closed switch |11, to conductor 42. When conductor 42 is energized, a 26" cut is being made. As vexplained in connection with Fig. 3, when solenoid 13 is also energized, then 26 heart stock is being cut and will be appropriately transferred off the out-bearing conveyor means 5.

When switch |65 is in the full line position. then conductor |66 will be energized. When switch |83 is closed, then energy from conductor 66 will pass to conductor |84, through solenoid'16, along conductor |85, along conductor' |86, through switch |83, to conductor 43. As exthere may be a great number of lugs |96.

plained in connection with Fig. 3, when conductor 43 is energized, a 39 cut is being made. Also, as explained in Fig. 3, when solenoid 16 is also energized, a 39" piece of sap stock is being cut to be appropriately later transferred from the outbearing conveyor I5.

When the blade of the Switch is in the dotted line position of Fig. 4, then conductor |61 will be energized. Upon closing of switch |83, then energy from conductor |61 will pass along conductor |81, through solenoid 15, along conductor |88, along conductor |86, through closed switch |83, and to conductor 43. When conductor 43 is energized, we are cutting a 39" piece and when solenoid 15 also is energized, we are cutting a 39" piece of heart stock and such piece of material will be later properly transferred from the out-bearing conveyor belt l5.

When switch |65 is in the full line position, then conductor |66 will be energized. If switch |89 is closed, then energy on conductor 66 will pass to conductor |98, through solenoid 18, to conductor |91, along conductor |82, through closed switch |89, to conductor 44. When conductor 44 is energized, as explained in connection with Fig. 3, we are cutting a 52 piece. Also, as explained in connection with Fig. 3, when solenoid 18 is also energized, we are cutting a piece of 52" sap stock. Thus, the piece cut will be appropriately later removed from the outbearing conveyor means l5.

Upon moving the switch blade of switch |65 to the dotted line position in Fig. 4, conductor I 61 will be energized and the energy thereon will pass to conductor |93, through solenoid 11, along conductor |94, to conductor |92, through closed switch |89, to conductor 44. When conductor 44 is energized, we are cutting a 52" piece as eX- plained in connection with Fig. 3 and when solenoid 11 is also energized, we are cutting a 52" piece of heart stock. Thus, the material will be later properly transferred from the out-bearing conveyor means l5.

In both Figs. 3 and 4, we have shown the relay 6| and the various solenoids 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive in series. Obviously, the solenoids 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive could be controlled by relay and the primary of the relay be in the series circuit. Also, the said relay 6| and the various vsolenoids 69 and 12 to 18 inclusive could be in parallel circuits. The type of circuit is not particularly important here, and the important feature is that, whenever any of the conductors 4| to 44 inclusive is energized, appropriate solenoids having the function of a solenoid like 69 shall be energized. Also, it is important in our invention that if a switch such as 48, 58 or |12 is operated, that simultaneously therewith a relay having the function of relay 6| is operated and also solenoid bringing about the functions of either solenoid 6901* 12 is operated.

Referring now to Fig. 6 of the drawings, it will be apparent that the peripheral distance, in a counter clock-wise direction, in the vgroove |84 between the catch portion H3 of the catch |01 and the switch means |20, has a direct relation to the lineal travel of the outbearing conveyor I5 (Fig. 2) between the knife means |6 and the transfer means |28. In such peripheral distance, As groove H9 and the lugs |86 therein control the last transfer means, the periphery of said groove will determine the relative ratio of peripheral; travel of the drum assembly 98 to the lineal travel of the outbearing conveyor l5. Thus, the greater 15 portion of the peripheral distance in a counter clock-wise direction (to follow the direction of rotation indicated) of the grooves controlling the. last transfer means, will have lugs present to operate switch |21. On the other hand, a groove, as |04, operating the rst transfer means will have only a relatively small portion of its periphery containing lugs |06 to operate the switch |20. If it is desired to reduce the number of lugs |05 which are needed, then means are provided to accelerate the return of the lugs in each groove into restrained position back of a particular catch |01. A form of such means to return lugs to their normal position after they have operated the switch associated with them comprises: arm i95 mounted for swinging movement about driven shaft |02 (see Figs. 5, 6 andy 10).

The arm |95 carries at its outer end a catch |95. The catch |96 is pivoted to arm |95 and is spring loaded by spring |91 so that the catch |96 may assume and will be held in either the position shown in Fig. 6 or the position shown in Fig. 10. The catch i95 is preferably provided at its leading edge with a notched portion |98. Thus, when the catch |96 is in the position shown in Fig. 6, it will engage behind and be supported by lugs |06 when the arm |95 is traveling in a counter-clockwise direction as respects the showing in Figs. 6 and l0. In the path of travel of the arm |99 of catch |95 is a fixed stop 200. Thus when the arm |99 is urged against xed stop 200, the catch |95 will angularly move in a clock wise direction until the arm |99 comes to rest against support carried by arm |95. Each time the centers supporting the spring |91 pass beyond the center of the pivotal supportA of the catch |99, a toggle action obtains and the catch |95 will be held in either the position shown in Fig. 6 or the position shown in Fig. l0. When the arm |95 is angularly moved in a clockwise direction, arm |99 engages fixed stop 292 which angularly moves catch |90 out of its position shown in Fig. l0 to its position shown in Fig. 6.

The stop 202 for each of the grooves |04, |05 and ||4 to ||9 inclusive is positioned in a counter-clockwise direction from its switch means (one of |20 to |21 inclusive) a suitable distance so that each lug |05, lbeing returned by an arm |f95 and parts associated therewith, will have first operated its associated switch means before being returned. Thus the amount of angular movement of an arm |95 will depend upon the peripheral location of the switch means as respects a particular groove. The stop 202 for a particular groove will be located in close proximity to the switch operated by the lugs in a particular groove and the stop 290 will be located suiiiciently remote from the catch means |01 associated with a particular groove so there will be enough space in a particular groove, as |04, to take care of the 'lugs |00 which will be normally restrained by a catch |01.

Each ar-m |95 is periodically oscillated between its stops 200 and 202 by any suitable means. The means shown for oscillating each arm comprise a. gear 203 fixed to arm |95 and centered about shaft 02. The gear 203 meshes `with rack 204. Rack '204 is mounted for reciprocating motion by plate 205 and rollers 200 mounted thereon. Each plate 205 is mounted for oscillating movement about shaft |02. Thus each assembly including p1ate^205 andr rollers 206 willrock as the rack 2 04 supported thereby is reciprocated.

-v Each rackA 204 is resiliently connected-with its 16 associatedarm -201 and this may be accomplished by providing a tubular member 208 connected with the rack 204. Within the tubular member 208 is provided a compression spring 209 and a key hole slot 2 0 is provided in the tubularmember 208. The arm 201 carries across pin 2| and the cross pin 2H may reciprocate in the slotl 2|0 but movement in one direction wil1 be resiliently restrained as will appear. Thus upon movement of the arm 201 toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 6, arm 201 will engage spring 209 which engages rack 204. Thus rack 204 will be moved to the left which in turn will rotate gear 203 in a counter'b clockwise direction and motion in the same direction Iwill be imparted to the arm |95. If there should be more lugs |06 in a slot restrained by a. catch |01 than can be moved to their normal positions before arm |99 engages stop 200,V then spring 209 will be compressed and arm |99 will continue to move until it engages xed stop 200. Upon engagement of arm |99 ywith fixed stop 200, then catch |96 moves in a clockwise directioniand the notched portion |98 thereof moves free of the lugs |06 and into the position indicated in Fig. 10.

Upon movement of arm 201v to the right. as viewed in Fig. 6, cross pin 2|| will first move in slot 2|0 (if spring 209 has been compressed) and then will engage tubular member 208. This will move rack 204 to the right and provide clockwise movement of gear 203 and arm |95. The amount of such clockwise movement of an arm will be adjusted in relation to the location of its aSSo.-' ciated fixed stop 202.

As a means to reciprocate each arm 201 the desired amount depending upon the location of the associated stop 202, we have indicated a. plu'-v rality of levers 2|2 which are fixed on pivotally mounted cross` shaft 2|.3. The cross shaft 2`|3 is oscillated by any suitable means as a pitman arm. and crank comprising arm 2|4 eccentrically supported by wheel 2 I5. Each lever 2|2 is provided' with a key hole slot 2|0. Each arm 201 is pivotally connected with a lever 2 2 and by adjusting a pivotal connection 2|1 in a key hole slotA 216, the amount of reciprocation of a particular arm 201 can be determined. The wheel 2|5 is connected with any suitable source of rotary motion as by shaft 2 8.

The lug return means illustrated in Figs. 5, 6. and 10 permits the employment of a fewer number of lugs |06 as their return from one of the: switches |20 to |21 to a catch |01 is accelerated by such lug return mechanism.

In Figs. l to 10 inclusive, we have shown lugs |00 frictionally engaging grooves in wheels |03A so said lugs can be restrained or permitted to move with the Wheel and operate associated switch means. In our invention, We are not limited to grooves nor to lugs of thespecic shape best illustrated in Figs. '1, 8 and 9. Our invention comprises an endless track and lug means movable to and out of switch operation position. Onevv modification is illustrated in Fig. 11 of the drawing.

In Fig. 11, a fragment of a wheel 2|9 is shown and a wheel 2|9 will replace each of the wheels |03. A ange 220 of suitable shape functions as a trackway and thus supplants the trackway illus.- trated in the form of grooves, as groove |04, of the previous figures. The lugs associated with the trackway 220, as illustrated in Fig. 1l, compriseparts 22| and 222. Together they form an internal recess mating with thering-like -ange 220. The parts 22| 'and 222 forma lug nieulberl numbered generally as l223 and 111g vInerrlbers 223,

will have the same function as the lug members |06 of the previous gures. In other words, they will be released by catches |01 and travel with a wheel 2|9 and they will, after a time delay after being released, operate a switch means as switch means |20.

In order to provide for releasable lugs 223 and to provide for frictional adjustment between them and a wheel 2|9, we have shown a bolt 224, a recess 225 in part 222 and a compression spring 226 surrounding the shank 221 of the bolt 224 and :disposed in the recess 225. The shank 221 passes through registered openings in the parts 22| and 222 and is held in adjusted position by lock nuts 228.

Preferably each of the switch |20 to |21 inclusive is held by adjustable means so that the relative position of a particular switch `means around the periphery of the drum assembly 93 can be adjusted and predetermined. A form of such adjusting means may include brackets 229 which mounts switch I 20 and bracket 230 which mounts switch 2| Each of the switches will have its separate bracket. The brackets, as bracket 229,

are mounted on the shaft |02 and thus if the can be connected to the main frame structure as by link 23| shown broken away. There will be a link 232 for the bracket 230 and a similar link for each of the remaining brackets.

The purpose of providing separate wheels |03 is so that suitable adjustable means, as brackets 229 and 230, may be employed in connection with the switches |20 to |21 inclusive. Separate wheels |03 are also provided in order that separate return lug means, illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 10, can be employed for each wheel.

While the lugs which are frictionally engaged to a trackway may take other forms than those illustrated in the drawings, it is believed sufficient to indicate some carried by grooves and some :carried by flanges.

In our invention we have provided a plurality of controls where each control comprises an endless driven track means as a groove |04 or a circular flange 220. Next we have provided a plurality of lugs which frlctionally engage the trackd way as the lugs |00 or the lugs 223. Next we provide a restraining means for the lugs associated with each trackway. As an example of such restraining means, we have shown electrically operated catches |01. The catch means associated with each track means is individually operable and preferably each catch means is operated at the same time as a clipper knife, or other means, is operated at the same time as means providing an article of a given character, as 13 wide stock. Thereafter the lugs travel with the trackway a distance `corresponding in time duration to the lineal travel of a conveyor means to a transfer means. Thereupon the lugs operate any suitable switch mechanism which controls the operation of the transfer means. Thus material comprising pieces having different characteristics may be carried by a single conveyor and ejected or delivered from said conveyor 'at diiierent locations by reason of previously released lug means.

Obviously changes may be made in the forms, dimensions and arrangements of the parts of our invention without departing from the principles 18 thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment of our invention.

We claim:

1. A device of the class described comprising a driven endless track means; a plurality of lugs frctionally engaging said track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; and sorter control means operable by each of said lugs and disposed in predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

2. A device of the class described comprising a driven endless circular track means, a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means, selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; and sorter control means operable by each of said lugs and disposedvin predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

3. A device of the class described comprising a driven drum having groove means providing an endless moving circular track means, a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; and sorter control means operable by each of said lugs and disposed in predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

4. A device of the class described comprising a driven drum having groove means which are rectangular in section and which provide an endless track means; a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; and sorter control means operable by each of said lugs and disposed in predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

5. A device of the class described comprising a driven conveyor means; clipper means operably disposed as respects material on said conveyor means and operable by electrical impulses to provide pieces of material of predetermined dimensions; a driven endless track means; a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means; electrically and selectively operable stop means operable in synchrcnism with the said electrical impulses and positioned normally in the path of travel of each of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of said path; and sorter control means yoperable by said lugs and disposed in predetermined. spaced relation on said track, means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means; whereby the action of the sorter controlmeans is lin delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

6. A device ofthe class described comprising a-driven endless track means; a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means; electrically and selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path or any of said lugs; and .electrical switch means operable by each of said lugs and ydisposed in predetermined spaced relation onsaid track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronized relation with the operation of .the Aselectively operable stop means.

'7. A device of the class described comprising a driven circular track means; a plurality of lugs frictionally engaging saidV track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track rmeans and mounted-for selective movement out of the path of any of saidflugs; and adjustable sorter control means angularly movable about the axis of iaid circular track means, operable by each oi said lugs, disposed in predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the path oi' travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the vaction of the sorter control means is adjustable and in kdelayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

k8. `A devicel of the class described comprising a driven endless track means; a vplurality ci lugs frictionallyl engaging said track means; selectively oper-able `stop means normally in the path of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out ci the path 1 proximity to the said selectively operable stop means. v

9. A device of the class described comprising a drivenendless track means; la plurality of lugs .frictionally `engaging said track means; selectively-operable stop means normally in the path ,of travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; sorter .control means operyable by each of said lugs and disposed in predetermined spaced relation on said track means and in the `path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control cleans is in delayed synchronous relation with the-*operation of the selectively operable stop *,means, and lug'return means angularly movable about the axisof said circular track means and operable after the sorter control means to 're- .turn lugs into close proximityto ,the said selecfV 1o/ely operable stop means.

10. A device of the class described comprising -ga driven endless track meansga plurality of lugs irictionally engaging said track means; said lugs Veach comprising two numbers resiliently urged tow ard the'walls -forming the track means; se-

lectively `omrable stop y:seams normally in the `path vof travel or said `lugs on 4said `track means mounted for selective movement out-,of the path 4.oi vany of said lugs; andsorter -control means operable by each ,ofsaid lugs and disposed in preetermined spaced relation onrsaid track means and in the path of travel of lugs on said track means, whereby the action of the sorter control means is in delayed synchronous relation with the operation of the selectively operable stop means.

1l. A deviceof the class-described comprising a driven endlesstrack means; a plurality oi lugs frictionally engaging said track means, each'of said lugs having a surface inclined from its trailing end portion to its leading end portions; electrically controlled vselectively operable stop means normally inthe path of travel of any of said lugs on said track means and positioned to engage the forwardend portion koi a lug and when released to travel along said surface and engage the next following lug; and Velectrical switch means in the path of travel of Vsaid lugs and operated thereby, whereby said electrical switch means is in delayedresponse tosaid `.electrically controlled stop means.

l2. A device of the class-described comprising a driven endless track means; a plurality o'f'lugs each comprising two pieces which are resiliently urged relatively to each other to frictionally engage each lug with said track means; electrically controlled seiectively operable stop means normally in the path of `travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; and electricswitch means inthe path of travel of said lugs and operated thereby, whereby said electric switch means is in delayed response to said electrically controlled stop means.

13;. A device of the class described comprising a driven endless track means; -aplurality of lugs frictionally engaging said track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the path or travel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; control means in the `path oi 'travel of said lugs and operated thereby; and lug return means for moving lugs relative to the track means and toward the said stop means comprising an oscillating pusher member ltraveling at an accelerated rate as respects said track means.

14. A device of the class described comprising a driven endless track means; a plurality oi lugs frictionally engaging said track means; selectively 'operable stop means normally in the path of ktravel of said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; control means in the path oi travel of said lugs and operated thereby; and lug return means for moving lugs relative to the track means and toward the said stop means comprising an oscillating pusher member traveling at an accelerated rate as respects said track means, and engaging said lugs in its movement toward said stop means and passing over said lugs in its movement in the other direction.

i5. A device ofthe class described comprising adriven endless circular track means; a plural'- ity oi lugs frictionally engaging said track means; selectively operable stop means normally in the Apath or travel lof said lugs on said track means and mounted for selective movement out of the path of any of said lugs; control means in the vpath of travel of'said lugs and operated there'- by; and `lug freturn means .formoving lugs rela- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Spooner Mar. 3, 192 Uher July 29, 193 Miller Feb. 12, 194

Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,497,874 February 21, 1950 HAROLD R. EVANS ET AL.

It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction es follows:

Column 1, line 40, for 13, 267 read 13, 13, 26; column 3, line 19, for the Word device" read devices; column 4, line 26, for as inlet reed an inlet; line 72, after As insert is column 6, line 25, for relay read delay; column 17, line 16, for switch read switches;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the cese in the Patent Oiice.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of May, A. D. 1950.

[sun] THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Uommissioner of Patents.

Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,497,874 February 21, 1950 HAROLD R. EVANS ET AL.

It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed speoication of the above numbered patent requiring correction es follows:

Column 1, line 40, for 13, 26 read 13, 18, 26'; column 3, line 19, for the Word device read devices; column 4, line 26, for as inlet read an rinlet; line 72, after As insert fis; column 6, line 25, for relay" reed delay; column 17, line 16, for switch read switches;

and that the seid Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Gflce.

Signed and sealed this 23rd day of May, A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant 'omme'ssz'oner of Patents. 

